Destinations

we suggest you popular destinations and nearby areas

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Spinalonga

Spinalonga is a significant historical attraction of Crete. This infamous islet was the base for one of the most important Venetian castles of Crete. Also known as the Island of the Lepers, Spinalonga was the place where all lepers from Crete and the rest of the country were quarantined at until 1957. For many decades it remained unexploited.

However, following the growing tourist interest, the state started the systematic restoration and repair of the old buildings, fortified Venetians walls, old residences and streets on the islet. The Ministry of Culture has requested the inclusion of Spinalonga in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List.

 
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Panagia Kera

To the south and about 500 meters from the village of Kritsa we stumble upon the three-aisled, domed church of Panagia Kera, which is one of the most important monuments of Crete. The central aisle, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was probably constructed during the Middle Byzantine period.

In the middle of the 13th century, the central aisle was frescoed. The church, in the early 14th century, underwent extensive renovation. During the first decades of the 14th century, the frescoes of the central aisle were renovated, and the two lateral aisles (the northern dedicated to Agios Antonios and the southern to Agia Anna) were then constructed and frescoed. The rich iconography and different styles make the church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa the most important monument in the region. Particular mention should be made to the depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi in the central aisle of the church, as well as to the scenes from the occult gospels on the aisle of Agia Anna.

 
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Toplou Monastery

To the south and about 500 meters from the village of Kritsa we stumble upon the three-aisled, domed church of Panagia Kera, which is one of the most important monuments of Crete. The central aisle, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was probably constructed during the Middle Byzantine period.

In the middle of the 13th century, the central aisle was frescoed. The church, in the early 14th century, underwent extensive renovation. During the first decades of the 14th century, the frescoes of the central aisle were renovated, and the two lateral aisles (the northern dedicated to Agios Antonios and the southern to Agia Anna) were then constructed and frescoed. The rich iconography and different styles make the church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa the most important monument in the region. Particular mention should be made to the depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi in the central aisle of the church, as well as to the scenes from the occult gospels on the aisle of Agia Anna.

 
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Knossos Minoan Palace

Knossos, the famous Minoan Palace lies 5 kilometres southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos. The river rises in Archanes, runs through Knossos and reaches the sea at Katsabas, the Minoan harbour of Knossos.

In Minoan times the river flowed all year round and the surrounding hills were covered in oak and cypress trees, where today we see vines and olives. The pine trees inside the archaeological site were planted by Evans.

Constant habitation for 9,000 years has brought about great changes to the natural environment, so it is hard to imagine what the Minoan landscape was like.

Knossos, the 1st and 2nd Palace

The first settlement in the Knossos area was established circa 7000 BC, during the Neolithic Period. The economic, social and political development of the settlement led to the construction of the majestic Palace of Knossos towards the end of the second millennium BC.

Knossos was the seat of the legendary King Minos and the main centre of power in Crete.

This first Palace was destroyed circa 1700 BC. It was rebuilt and destroyed again by fire, this time definitively, in 1350 BC. The environs of the Palace were transformed into a sacred grove of the goddess Rhea, but never inhabited again.

The Palace of Knossos is the monumental symbol of Minoan civilisation, due to its construction, use of luxury materials, architectural plan, advanced building techniques and impressive size.